WHOI establishes new fellowships

Abstract

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) has received a $400,000 challenge grant from the Henry L. and Grace Doherty Charitable Foundation, Inc., to create WHOI's first‐ever endowed postdoctoral scholarships. The grant is to be matched by funds raised by WHOI from other donors, with a combined amount totaling $1,200,000. The Doherty Postdoctoral Scholarships will be given to individuals in various disciplines of oceanography, applied physics, and ocean engineering in their first and/or second postdoctoral year.WHOI currently offers postdoctoral appointments for 1 year, but an 18‐month appointment is under consideration. “One year is not sufficient for new scientists to prove themselves in the competition for federal funds,” said John Farrington, associate director for education and dean of graduate studies. “Increasingly, scientists need 1 year to get their science up and running, and another year to master federal proposals. Providing 18 months of postdoctoral support is critical to recruiting young scientists in the field of oceanography,” he said.